Nepal Travel

10 Reasons to Go For Langtang Valley Trek

Situated towards the north of Kathmandu, Langtang Valley, also known as the Valley of Glaciers, rests amid the emerald hills with the backdrop of the magnificent Mount Langtang (7227m). The Langtang Valley Trek goes through the rugged terrain that is adorned by the majestic glaciers and snow clad mountains. Confined within the territory of Langtang National Park, it also comprises of the tranquil lakes of Gosainkunda. As much as it is blessed with its impressive landscapes, one can find joy in the nature that houses various species of rare floras and faunas as well.

Although it might not be as famous as the Annapurna or Everest treks, the Langtang Valley Trek can still be an outstanding choice for trekking. This trip can be completed in just 10 days at a price of USD 540. Within these 10 days, the trekkers will have the opportunity to experience the cultural and geographical richness of Nepal up close. Here are 10 reasons as to why one must go for the Langtang Valley Trek.

1. Experience Re-Birth of Langtang

The earthquake in 2015 hit Nepal very hard and Langtang was also one of the regions affected by the earthquake. Travelers will still get to see the debris from the earthquake. Since then, Langtang has risen up from the rubbles and has opened up for tourists. Trekkers will witness the rebirth of the Langtang; the building of a new village. Tea houses and lodges are being rebuilt, but this time with better engineering. Visiting Langtang can also help the people of this village as tourism is a crucial aspect of income generation. It is a great way for one to contribute to the renaissance of Langtang.

2. Close to Kathmandu

The Langtang Valley and Langtang National Park both lie to the north of Kathmandu. The beautiful Langtang Valley under the magnificent Langtang ranges is just a few hours’ drives away from the capital, Kathmandu. A ride through the hillside settlements and along the Trishuli River will take you to the trail-head of Langtang, the Syabrubensi town. Since it is close to Kathmandu, reaching Langtang or coming back is comparatively easier and fast thus making this region reasonably accessible. It is hard to believe that you can experience the Himalayas up close even so near the capital!

3. Suitable for Everyone

Langtang Valley Trek begins after a mellow drive from the capital of the country to Syabrubensi. From the beginning of the trek, the Langtang National Park will cordially welcome you into the home of a myriad of flora and fauna. Allowing for exquisite natural exploration, the trails go through Tamang settlements and serene forests of Rhododendron, oak, and magnolia. As if strategically designed, the Langtang Himalayas offer inexplicable beauty to entertain the trekkers in every step of their journey. Kyanjin Gompa further ahead on the trek holds the ancient cultural practices of the Tibetan descendants, Tamangs. Thus, ripe for cultural exploration and natural amusement, Langtang Valley Trek caters to the need of any type of trekker.

4. Easy Grade Trail

The Langtang valley trek is considered to be one of the easiest yet most exciting treks in Nepal. Unlike many other treks that run through rough trails, Langtang is a different adventure. For starters, there are drastically low-risk factors here than other treks. The Langtang Valley Trek only extends to 4,984 meters in altitude at Tserko Ri. The trails may be off-beaten but they much easier to walk on. As the trek does not demand much from a trekker, a basic level of physical ability is adequate to complete this trek. Due to such nature, the Langtang Valley trek is suitable for all types of people who are seeking to go trekking, regardless of their age, gender, or physical condition.

5. Panoramic Mountain Views

Like many other treks in Nepal, the Langtang Valley Trek also has impressive vistas of the Himalayas. Mountain views will come in sight since the very first day and it will just keep getting better and better as you get closer to the glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Above in the skyline, the Langtang Lirung (7227m) will dominate the view being the highest in the area. For those willing to climb to the top of Tserko Ri (4984m), the panoramic views of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu ranges are also up for grabs.

6. Biodiversity of Langtang National Park

The Langtang Valley is confined in the premise of the Langtang National park. This region proudly projects the rich bio-diversity of Nepal. The forests are filled with trees of oaks, bamboos, and rhododendrons which nurture some of the most amazing wildlife species such as the: Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Rhesus monkeys, and the Red Pandas. Trekkers, if lucky, will get to sight these animals while exploring the forests in the national park.

7. Rich Tamang Culture and Heritage

With the Langtang Valley Trek, explorers will get an opportunity to delve into the Tamang culture. The Tamangs are the most prominent ethnic groups in this region. The trails go along settlements majorly inhabited by these Tibetan-descendant Tamangs and Sherpas. The communities along the trekking trail are of Buddhist faith and you can observe similar flavor in their art, architecture, and traditions. The cultural practices carried out in these communities date back to ancient times yet, are well-preserved and held firmly by the local Tamangs and other ethnic communities.

8. Buddhist Monasteries (Kyanjin Gompa)

Through the trails of the Langtang Valley Trek, one will encounter several Buddhist landmarks. Buddhist monasteries, colorful chortens, Mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags can be found scattered along the routes. One will also get to visit the well renowned Kyanjin Gompa. Located in the foothills of the Langtang Lirung (7227m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), and Langshisha Ri, the monastery is believed to be around six centuries old. This part of the trek explores the cultural aspect of the Langtang Valley where one can get an insight into the prevalent Buddhist culture in this region.

9. Tea House and Camping Options

The Langtang Valley Trek gives two different options for accommodation; Tea house lodging and camping. Tea house lodging is simply staying overnight at tea houses during the stops in your trek. The tea houses provide visitors with warm hospitality and delicious local delicacies. Stepping aside from the mainstream tea house trekking is the Camping option. Trekkers will be traveling in groups with crew members equipped with all necessary items. The crew members will be sufficient to provide a proper camping experience for the trekkers. Prices, however, vary as per the trek you wish to take.

10. Multiple Add-on-options

To make the trip more exciting, multiple add-on-options are available. As the trek is short and takes 10 days to complete, you might find yourself in excess of time. To complement the nature of the Langtang Valley Trek, we also offer options to take other trips in and around the Kathmandu valley. Hiking and tours are popular options among travelers. Champadevi, Namobuddha, Changunarayan, Nagarkot, and Chandragiri are the prominent hiking destinations whereas the Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur cities are ripe for cultural exploration. With these options for add-ons, we offer you with other packages which perfectly complement the Langtang Valley Trek.

Despite getting few tourists when compared to the major destinations like Annapurna and Everest, Langtang Valley can still hold its own. The off-beaten paths and the marvelous landscapes alone provide enough reasons for one to visit Langtang. Visiting the Tamang culture adorned villages can also be thoroughly entertaining. Thus, anybody considering Langtang for a trek must definitely go for it.